Mughal era Hamam discovered in Kashmir

By Afzal Bhat Srinagar, Dec.22 (ANI): Excavators of the department of floriculture have discovered a historical Hamam (royal bath and heating system) in the popular Mughal Garden namely Shalimar Bagh in the Kashmir Valley. The Department of Floriculture in collaboration with Indian National Trust for Art Culture and Heritage (INTACH), a non-governmenatal organization, started a drive to preserve Kashmir heritage, especially the Mughal Garden in Kashmir a few months ago. During the work, the floriculture department workers stumbled upon unique surface, which earlier looked like a room but later emerged to be a Hamam used in the Mughal era. Officials noticed that unique hydraulic system for heating water, and hot-and-cold air-conditioning facilities constructed over five centuries ago by Mughal emperors. “This Hamam was built 500 years ago and constructed under the Mughal Emperor. When we started working, we didn”t expect that condition of this Hamam would be so good. We thought we will clean this Hamam and will preserve it, but we were surprised to see this Hamam,” said G.S. Naqash, Director of the Floriculture department, Kashmir. “We were surprised to see that people were scientifically so advanced five centuries ago, that they have used the system of ventilation, aeration and insulation, to keep the hamam warm,” said Naqash added. The Hamam has become very popular with the local residents thronging the Mughal garden to see the historical monument and architecture of Mughals “This model is so unique, this hamam seems like a wonder. All those who come to see this monument will get mesmerized by its beauty,” said Bashir Ahmad, local resident. Authorities believe that the discovery of the historical hamam here will draw more tourist inflow in the state. The Mughal Gardens are one of the major tourist attractions of Kashmir. Shalimar Garden is one of the most beautiful Mughal Gardens in Kashmir, which was built 400 years ago. Mughal emperor Jehangir had built the Shalimar Garden in (1605-1627) to celebrate his love for his wife Nur Jahan. (ANI)